THE latest TAC data has prompted a campaign calling on young drivers to make safety their priority when buying their first car.
The How Safe is Your Car campaign will run for the rest of the summer holidays, as thousands of young drivers across the City of Melton scan the used car market for their first vehicle before commencing their studies or entering the workforce.
The TAC’s latest serious injury crash statistics revealed six people died on Melton roads last year and a further 68 people were hospitalised for two weeks.
Nineteen drivers spent more than 14 days in hospital after an accident.
Overall, there was a 16 per cent drop in hospital admissions across the state.
Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said that while it was positive that the road toll and serious injuries were falling, further road trauma could be reduced if all young drivers drove cars with a four or five-star safety rating.
“Vehicle safety has come a long way in recent years and people need to be aware that many modern safety features can be found in affordable second-hand cars,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Mr Rich-Phillips said by using tools like howsafeisyourcar.com.au, young drivers and their parents could find safe and affordable vehicles in every car class.
“We know safer cars save lives and that safer cars are available regardless of the buyer’s budget so it’s vital that people put safety ahead of all other considerations when buying a vehicle.”
